Penguin Sea Kayak Trip

Simon's Town

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Activity Description

One of the most unique places in the world – a penguin colony in suburban Cape Town! And the best way to see it is from the water.The trip leaves from Simon’s Town Waterfront and we paddle past the Naval Harbour and out to Boulder’s Beach to see the penguins. If the time and tide is right we may stop on a beach for a swimming break and will generally be able to get a close up look at penguins on the rocks nearby.

The daily scheduled trip leaves at 8.30am summer season (9.00am winter season). High season generally also has an 11am trip and often an afternoon trip as well. Click on your chosen date above to check.

Arrangements

Duration2 hours

WhenThis service is available all year round, depending on the weather.

WhereThe trip leaves from Simon's Town Waterfront and there is a car park right there. A local landmark is Berthas Restaurant (see our website directions page). Please plan to arrive around 15 minutes prior to your scheduled trip time. You should also always text or WhatsApp 082 501 8930 an hour before trip time to check weather because if the conditions are adverse the trip may be postponed.

WeatherThis service is weather permitting. You must always contact us via text or WhatsApp in the morning before you leave for the trip to check the weather. If it's cancelled then we try and get you on the next nice day if you can make it. Note that a rainy day is not "bad weather", only a windy day is.

What to WearWear something that you don't mind getting wet like your swimming clothes and a top, quick dry stuff is best. Bring something warm for the winter months. Barefoot is best but you can wear water shoes or sandals, although flip flops are not recommended.

Things to BringYou should bring a towel and a change of clothes in case you get wet. Don't forget your hat, sunglasses and sunscreen. A camera in a waterproof container is optional. Our guides will take pictures to be posted on our FaceBook page.

Guests or SpectatorsNon paying guests can wait at a variety of local coffee shops for the trip to return.

Requirements

Minimum Age10 years

Minimum Height0.0 m

Maximum Height0.0 m

Fitness LevelAverage

QualificationsNot Applicable

Maximum Weight120.0 kg

CertificationNone Required

Experience LevelNo Experience Requirement

Inclusions and Exclusions

InclusionsGuided kayak tour with all equipment included.

ExclusionsFood and drinks.

Notes

We paddle every day of the year, weather permitting – not just the summer. The winter months are also wonderful for paddling because winter has more calm windless days than summer and on those days it is absolutely beautiful. Plus there is always a chance of seeing whales.

Kids under 10 are usually too small to paddle but if the the parent is strong and there is no wind then younger children may be accommodated at our discretion.

Featured Services

Customer Reviews

Thank you and your team for a great day out. My daughter and myself enjoyed it immensely, and I can, and have recommended the trip to enyone willing to listen.
Nick -Nick Schreuder

We had a fantastic time! Beautiful views, lots of animals and a very friendly and informative guide. -Isabella Hofmeyr-Pretorius

Informative guide, knew a lot about the animals and terrain which was great. However, seemed disinterested in taking me to begin with, which was off-putting, rather passive-aggressive/rude. Not sure if it was because I was the only one who booked a trip for that morning and it would be a lot of work for not as much yield, or for being brown skinned. I'd suppose if I were a tall white male, I wouldn't have received such treatment. Also, it was not clear from the website, how much Kayaking I would do vs. my guide. Turned out he did most of the rowing, while my facilitating was not too helpful, so was more like a Gondala ride, which was okay, but not was I'd gone in thinking. Good experience and pictures, however left with a sour taste in the end. -Bhavna Seth

After a good booking experience I was a little disappointed to get a message that the 0900 trip was cancelled due to rough seas. However, the trip was rescheduled for 1400 and we thoroughly enjoyed the experience. Seeing penguins, Oyster catchers, cormorants and other sea birds up close was awesome. We also paddled over to a rock where seals were gathered, and enjoyed watching them playing around. To top it all we saw a whale breach numerous times out to sea. Our guides were very professional and informative. I would recommend this trip as a must do to both tourists and locals -Glenn Hurlow

This trip was booked as a large minute replacement for our cancelled shark dive. Everything from the online booking onwards was easy and straightforward. We were a couple and enjoyed the company of the rest of the group as well as the good humour and security of the two instructors. The trip itself was a nice amount of challenge and we loved seeing some penguins on the beach; the knowledge of the group leaders was much appreciated to give us context regarding the birds' conservation status. Even though the penguins at Boulders did not come close, it was good to know that the company kept a respectful distance from the animals. We saw bonus seals and lots of interesting things on the harbour wall. Thanks guys for a great trip! -Laura Matchett